Page 93 of Tears of Glass

McAndrew nods, his eyes appreciative. “Full scholarship for the winner.”

“Wow. That’s a prize.”

And it is, university fees are crippling, not including living expenses. If I hadn’t made extortionate money from inflicting pain on grown men before I came here, I would never have been able to afford it. Not ever. I’d still be in Brighton filled with hateful stares.

“Okay.” I say it before I can change my mind. It would be worth it to give that to someone. “But I want to have a selection of applicants who aren’t already on the course.” My mind slips to Stephen, the man under the bridge, in light of what Eli has told me about him.

Then dean frowns, but then nods. “Five.”

“Five members of the public and then five students who all have to compete with a piece of their choosing to be accepted.”

I’ll have to work with Dylan, he should be on this. Or is that cheating?

I breathe deep. “I have to say something.” They all look at me expectantly. “I can’t guarantee the backing of the Faircloughs.”

Angela gives me a small smile. “You were given the first foundation prize, right? That night at Bowsley.”

I think of the uncashed cheque and the unused studio. “Yes.”

“Then we have the backing. You are the foundation, for the first year.”

I smile. I never thought of it that way. Ha, stick that Jennifer and Connie.

That’s what Elijah was doing, you fool.

I haven’t got it until this very moment.

That’s what he did, why he was so pleased to give me that cheque. It doesn’t matter how mad Jennifer is, how twisted Connie is, they have to support what I do with the foundation, because they are the ones who bestowed it on me. They may hate me, they may cut Elijah off, but they still have to honour the foundation.

Fuck, he’s a clever man.

“Are we done? I haven’t had nearly enough coffee and I’ve got to make a call.”

They all nod and Angela stands up to give me a warm hug. “We will iron it out. Shall we give you some time to construct some ideas?”

I shake my head. “I’ve already got them.” And I have. They’ve burst forth, filling my mind. I’m thinking of Stephen under that bridge and the dark bitter underbelly of London.

“Excellent. Let’s meet again in a week and we can discuss more.” She meets my eyes. “This is happening, Faith.”

I nod, and then move from her embrace and shake hands with Miriam. I can’t believe that shit! And the dean.

Gerard walks me to the door. “We need to talk,” he whispers.

“What’s wrong? Talk now if you have something to say.”

He shakes his head. “Not here. It’s private.”

I scrunch my face. “Sure. Coffee tomorrow?”

He leans forward and brushes a kiss across my cheek, his beard scratching my skin. “You should know everything.”

“Okay.” I don’t really know what else to say. I walk away and make my way to the coffee shop.

Thanks, Gerard. I was on cloud nine, but now I’m plummeting back to earth at a great rate of knots.

Eli’s secretary puts my call through and my excitement spikes again. Tate Modern... I can’t believe it.

“Tell me some good news, Sunshine.” Elijah’s tone is low and tight.